Scaffoladder,industrial model



7, 1969 c. L. ALFIE 3,446,311

$CAFFOLADDER,' INDUSTRIAL MODEL Filed July 26. 1967 United States Patent US. Cl. 182-156 1 Claim ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A compactly foldable builder mechanics ladder device, comprising; a relevantly broad and wide work platform pivotally secured atop a foldable multirail load supporting rear portion framework, and; an expandable spread limit controlled front ladder portion in ascending to and descending from said elevated work platform, comprising a plurality of lesser dimensions auxiliary work platformsteps either end, near endmost rigidly mounted atop a load support bar having end-arm mounting brackets which tip-ends are embedded between and pivotally joined to the sideflanges of U channel type elongated spaced apart parallel siderails of a load supporting foldable duo-rail endframe situated at said auxiliary platforms either endside.

Reference to co-pending application Generally speaking, my present invention is an advance art innovate modification of my co-pending application, titled Decorator Model Scaffoladder, Ser. No. 648,121, filed June 22, 1967. My two subject inventions may appear closely related since both inventions embody designs typical of Scaffoladder construction. Nevertheless, by comparison, the two inventions will be found radically different in that the relevantly related constituent parts are of diversiform designs and are not interchangeable between said two inventions.

Specifications of the invention More specifically, my present invention is a unique modern art advance compact foldable mechanics ladder device, which is comprised of a rear portion multirail load supporting framework, which framework is composed of two foldable pertinently spaced apart parallel upright standing duo-rail endframes which are backside conjoined and maintained in constant longitudinal parallelism between endframes by means of one or more horizontal crossbraces locate positioned to provide obstruction free use of a workplank between two scatfoladders and thereat rigidly mounted backside of the rearward rail of relevant rear portion either end situated duo-rail endframes, which endframes consist of two elongated spaced apart parallel U channel type load supporting siderails and, a relevantly broad and wide work platform, which is either end, near endmost rigidly mounted atop of a pair of spaced apart parallel R-1 Rotabars, or the equivalent thereof, which rotabars are a peculiar shape rectangular bar having difference length and form rightangle appended end-arm mounting brackets, whereby said work plank is, typical of an elevated platform scaffold structure, mounted atop of aforesaid rear portion load supporting framework either end situated foldable duorail endframes in a manner such that pertinent end-arms of the outer members of said platform near endmost afi'ixed pair of spaced apart parallel R-l Rotabars are tip-ends embedded between and pivotally joined to the sideflanges of appertain said platform either end situated endframe U channel type load supporting siderails topends, which siderail lower ends are in like manner as top-ends pivotally joined to pertinent rightangle vertical projecting end-arm mounting brackets of an ends reversed horizontal positioned R-l Rotabar, as adherent support 3,446,131 1 Patented May 27, 1969 rails lower end parallel spacer-bar, whereby constant longitudinal parallelism is maintained between adherent endframes elongated spaced apart parallel upright U channel type siderails, which R1 Rotabars also function as appertain endframe lower end crossbrace and, as unit footing piece.

And, an expandable spread limit controlled front ladder portion which, as in the rear portion load supporting framework, is composed of two same design foldable duorail load supporting endframes with pertinently longer U channel type spaced apart parallel load supporting siderails, of which one each said endframes is situated at said front ladder portion either endside, which siderail top-ends are pivotally secured to the pertinent inner member of aforesaid top platform either end, near endmost alfixed pair of spaced apart parallel R-l Rotabars endarm mounting brackets in a manner such that pertinent end-arm mounting bracket tip-ends are embedded between and pivotally joined to the sideflanges of appertain U channel type load supporting siderails top-ends, and; a plurality of lesser dimensions relevantly broad and wide work platforms, which also function as ladder steps in ascending to and descending from said rear portion elevated top platform, which auxiliary work platforms are either end, near endmost rigidly mounted atop of an R2 Rotabar, which rotabar is a peculiar shape rectan gular bar having a rightangle vertical projecting end-arm mounting bracket at one end, and a straightline bar extension mounting bracket at the opposite end, by which means said auxiliary platforms are either end joint mounted to relevant said front ladder portion endside situated foldable duo-rail load supporting endframe in a manner such that said auxiliary platforms ends are horizontal positioned between appertain said either end situated endframe space apart parallel U channel type siderails, and thereat said auxiliary platforms either end, near endmost aflixed R-2 Rotabar mounting bracket tip-ends are embedded between and pivotally joined to the sideflanges of relevant U channel type load supporting siderails, which siderails lower ends are in like manner as top-ends pivotally joined to pertinent rightangle vertical projecting end-arm mounting brackets of an ends reversed horizontal positioned R-l Rotabar, as adherent support rails lower end parallel spacer-bar, whereby constant longitudinal parallelism is maintained between adherent endframes elongated spaced apart upright U channel type siderails, which R1 Rotabars also function as appertain endframe lower end crossbrace and, as unit footing piece.

wherewithal, when the invention is in upright use position the top platform and auxiliary platforms will synergetically adjust to floor or base level position, and the expandable spread limit controlled front ladder portion, which is top-end securely hinge joined to the multirail load supported rear portion top platform, will function as siderigger to maintain the invention in performance tested steadfast upright use position. When desired in compact folded condition for convenient transportation or small space storage, the top platform will fold with the pivotally adherent load supporting siderails of either end situated foldable duo-rail endframes. The front ladder portion auxiliary platforms either ends aflixed R-2 Rotabars body portion will embed between the sideflanges of the straightline bar extension bracket joined siderails of appertain endframes and, the said auxiliary platforms ends will fold with the either ends adherent R-2 Rotabars to a compact collateral relationship between appertain foldable duo-rail endframe load supporting U channel type siderails, and; the rear portion endframes side rails will synergetically fold to a compact side-by-side collateral relationship with the front ladder portion endframes sidesrails.

Objects of the present invention The primary object of my invention is to provide a compactly foldable, yet sturdy constructed, steadfast upright standing ladder device of a unique design known as scaifoladdcr, adapt to a variety of heights and dimensions construction, embodying a multiplicity of multirail supported work platforms which will synergetically adjust to horizontal floor or base level regardless of ladder use slantangle position, which platforms are made broad and wide for maximum workstanding comfort comparable to scaffolding platforms to let workmen stand and turn, with a feeling of safety, to reach farther forward, sideways and rearward to do twice as much and more efficient work in comfort with less effort.

Further objects of my invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art after careful study of detailed descriptions which follow hereinafter.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, my invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying single sheet drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, .that the drawings are illustrative only and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and deescribed, so long as the scope of appended claim is not violated.

In the drawings and reference detailed description FIGURE 1 is a persepctive view of the invention, in upright angularly expanded use position;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the invention, in flat compact fold condition as for storage or transportation; and

FIGURE 3 is a partially broken away fragmentary perspective inner-side view of the upper right side portion of the invention.

In FIGURE 3 indicants R-l designate a perspective sideview outline of R-l Rotabar units. Indicants R-2 designate a perspective sideview of R-2 Rotabar units. The R1 and R-2 Rotabars are scaffoladder intrinsic synergetic units developments arbitrarily nomenclatured as R1 and R-2 Rotabars.

FIGURE 1 perspectively illustrate a protype construction of my present invention in divaricate form, comprising a compact foldable rear section and a top end hinged- 1y joined compact foldable front ladder section, which rear portion is comprised of two upright pertinently spaced apart parallel F-2 endframes supported in upright position by one or more horizontal crossbraces B, locate positioned to provide obstruction free use of a workplank between two scaifoladders, and thereat rigidly mounted backside of said F2 endframes appertain U channel type 29U siderails, wherewith to maintain space apart position and constant longitudinal parallelism between said either end situated F-2 endframes, which end frames are comprised of a pair of elongated spaced apart parallel U channel type load supporting 28U and 29U siderails, which appertain siderails lower ends are pivotally secured to pertinent end arm mounting brackets 18 and 16 of an R1 Rotabar in a manner such that appertain R-l Rotabar end arm 18 tip-end is embedded between and pivotal 19 pivotally joined to the sideflanges of pertinent F-Z endframes U channel type siderails 28U, and said R-1 Rotabar opposite end arm 16 tip-end is embedded between and pivotal 17 pivotally joined to the sideflanges of pertinent U channel type siderails 29U, wherewith to maintain space apart parallel position and constant longitudinal parallelism between relevant ends adherent U channel type 28U and 29U siderails, which R-1 Rotabars function as said 28U and 29U siderails lower end horizontal space apart parallel spacer-bars, as rear portion F-2 endframes lower end crossbrace and, as unit footing piece.

And, a relevantly broad and wide work platform T which, as illustrated in FIGURE 3, is comprised of a safety tread surfaced top plate 10, which is rigidly afiixed atop a closed ends load support frame 11, having a center support bar 12, which support frame 11 is either end, near endmost rigidly mounted atop of a pair of spaced apart parallel R1 Rotabars, as said workplatform T ends support bars, having difference length and form right angle appended end-arm mounting brackets 16 and 18 by which means said platform T is, typical of an elevated platform scaffold structure, pivotally secured atop of rear section load supporting F-2 end-frames U channel type siderails 28U and 29U top ends in a manner such that appertain end arm mounting brackets 16 of the outer member of platform T either end, near endmost affixed pair of spaced apart parallel support bars R1 Rotabar are tip-ends embedded between and pivotals 17 pivotally joined to the sideflanges of appertain F-2 endframes U channel type siderails 28U top-ends and said R-1 Rotabars opposite end mounting brackets 18 tip ends are embedded between and pivotals 19 pivotally joined to the sideflanges of appertain U channel type side rails 29U top ends.

FIGURE 1 illustrates that the front ladder portion is comprised of a plurality of relevantly broad and wide auxiliary work platforms M which also function as steps in ascending to and descending from rear portion top platform T. FIGURE 3 illustrates that auxiliary platforms M are composed of a safety tread surfaced top plate 20 rigidly mounted topside of a closed ends support frame 21, which is either end, near endmost rigidly mounted atop of an R2 Rotabar, as said auxiliary platforms M end support bars, having a vertical rightangle projected end arm mounting bracket 23 at one end, and a straightline bar extension mounting bracket 22 at the opposite end, by which means said platforms M are joint mounted to an either end situated foldable duo-rail load supporting F-l endframe in a manner such that platforms M adherent R-2 Rotabar mounting brackets 23 tip ends are embedded between and pivotally joined to the side flanges of adherent F'1 endframes appertain U channel type load supporting siderails 26U at indicated pivotals 35, 36 and 37, and that appertain R-2 Rotabar opposite end mounting brackets 22 are tip-ends embedded between and pivotally joined to the side flanges of pertinent U channel type load supporting siderails 27U at pivotals 38, 39 and 40, which front portion siderails 26U and 27U are slightly longer than rear portion F-2 end frames siderails 28U and 29U, otherwise said F-l endframes and F-2 endframes U channel type siderails are of same structure pattern. Endframes F-l siderails 26U and 27U lower ends are in same manner as F-2 endframes U channel type siderails 28U and 29U lower end pivotally joined to appertain R-1 Rotabar end arms mounting brackets 17 and 18. The front ladder portion F-l endframes U channel type platforms M load supporting siderails 26U and 27U top ends are pivotally joined to pertinent mounting brackets 16 and 18 of appertain R-1 Rotabar inner members of top platform T either end, near endmost rigidly mounted pair of spaced apart parallel R-l Rotabars, in the same manner as F-2 endframes siderails 28U and 29U top ends are pivotally joined to mounting brackets 16 and 18 of the outer members R-l Rotabars of said pair of spaced apart parallel R-1 Rotabars. As is normal in divaricate ladder devices, a two piece expansion limiting spreader bar 24 is provided at scaifoladders either endside, which spreader bar 24 is composed of a forward portion U channel bar 31U, which fore-end is pivotally joined in common with platform M pivotal 39, and the rearward portion rectangular bar 32B aft-end is pivotally secured to rear portion F-2 endframe rear siderails 29U at pivotal 34. Wherewithal, when the invention is in upright use condition the front ladder portion will function as siderigger in steadfast upright support of the multirail load supporting scaffold-like rear portion.

FIGURE 2 demonstrates and perspectively illustrates that when the invention is in folded condition as for convenient transportation or small space storage, the front ladder portion auxiliary platforms M affixed R2 Rotabars body portion will embed between the sideflanges of mounting brackets 22 pivotally joined F-l endframes U channel type load supporting siderails 27U, and that the R-2 Rotabar adherent platform M ends will fold to a compact collateral relationship between pivptally adherent load supporting siderails 26U and 27U, that top platform T will told with the eight pivotally joined siderails of platform T and M load supporting F-l and F-2 endframes to a compact collateral relationship between parts, and that the rear portion F2 endframes siderails 28U and 29U will synergetically fold adjust to a compact sideby-side collateral relationship with the front ladder portion F-l endframes siderails 26U and 27'U.

It should be understood that the drawings and the specific description thereof set forth in this application are for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention to the precise and detailed specific structure in the drawings specifically described hereinbefore. Rather, the real invention is intended to include substantially equivalent construction embodying the basic teachings and in ventive concept of the present invention.

I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. A diversiform scaffold-ladder comprising a miniform scaffold section rear portion which consist of a pertinently broad and wide work platform having at either end, near endmost a rightangled appendage compactly foldable duo-rail load support endframe, which endframes each consist of two elongated spaced apart parallel load support rails of a pertinent design and length consistent to unit height construction having at either end an inherent linkage bracket by which means said load support rails upper ends are space apart parallel pivotally conjoined by a said work platform either end, near endmost rigidly afi'ixed pertain horizontal crossbrace, which crossbrace are .in the antecedent specification delineated as R1 Rotabar, having at the same side either end pertinent length and form rightangled end arm linkage bracket which elongated spaced apart parallel load support rails lower ends are in a same manner as pertain upper ends pivotally conjoined by a reverse ends R1 Rotabar horizontal crossbrace, therewithal said rear portion load support endframes are stead fast supported in upright position and constant longitudinal parallelism between endframes maintained by one or more crossbraces horizontally extended across and rigidly affixed to appertain said endframes rearmost support rails backside, and; a front ladder portion which is comprised of a plurality of pertinently broad and wide intermediate work platforms which also function as ladder steps in ascending to and descending from said rear portion elevated work platform, which intermediate work platforms are either end, near endmost rigidly mounted atop of a load support bar, which load support bars are in the antecedent specification delineated as R-2 Rotabar 'having at one end a rightangled upright end arm linkage bracket of pertinent length and design and at the opposite end a bar extension linkage bracket by which means said front portion intermediate work platforms are in a pertinent manner pivotally secured to pertain load sup port rails of a compactly foldable duo-rail load support endframe situated at said intermediate platforms either end side which front portion load support endframes in like manner as rear portion load support endframes consist of two elongated spaced apart parallel side rails and which appertain upper ends and lower ends are likewise as rear portion endframes pivotally conjoined by a selfsame design pertinent length R1 Rotabar horizontal crossbrace whereas the said front portion support rails upper ends pertain R-l Rotabar crossbraces are rigidly aflixed to said rear portion work platform inward space apart parallel of the said rear portion support rails upper ends pertain horizontal crossbraces and, a two piece spread limit control spreader bar is provided at the invention either side end, which spreader bar appertain ends are pertinently pivot secured to pertain front and rear portion endframes rearmost side rails.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 588,519 8/1897 Welker 182-1 739,085 9/1903 Kamerer 182-159 2,160,124 5/1939 Cast 182161 2,230,015 1/1941 Rich 182161 2,596,521 5/1952 Bell 182-156 FOREIGN PATENTS 194,749 3/1923 Great Britain.

REINALDO MACHADO, Primary Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 1821 16 

